At a glance: With struggles to find a defensive coordinator and players to help the team, Cincinnati didn't have one of the greatest off-seasons in recent memories. The team has lots of mediocrity and few stand-out players. In an evolving AFC North, the Bengals are taking some of the biggest back steps in the league.
Cincinnati fans had plenty to be upset about in 2018 but Bobby Hart's penalties on the offensive line topped many supporters' grievances. The team looked to make Hart a depth player in the draft by taking the first offensive lineman, Jonah Williams, off the board with the 11th overall pick. Whether Williams plays tackle or guard remains to be seen, but that should be a lesser headache than Hart's bull rushing flags.
New head coach Zac Taylor will install a new offense that evidently isn't high on pass-catching tight ends. The team should have Tyler Eifert as starter, but second round pick Drew Sample made a name for himself as a blocker. Whether Taylor wants Sample to provide greater help for his quarterback or running backs remains to be seen.
It was perhaps a surprise that the Bengals didn't do more at the linebacker position in free agency, having owned an already mediocre group before moving on from Vontaze Burfict earlier in the year. Third round selection Germaine Pratt should immediately compete for a three down spot with Jordan Evans most likely to see reduced playing time.
DRAFT PICKS (per ESPN)
1.11 Jonah Williams OT
2.20 Drew Sample TE
3.08 Germaine Pratt OLB
4.02 Ryan Finley QB
4.23 Renell Wren DT
4.34 Michael Jorda OG
6.09 Trayveon Williams RB
6.37 Deshaun Davis ILB
6.38 Rodney Anderson RB
7.09 Jordan Brown CB
ORIGINAL COVER PHOTO: SB Nation
